What are Anxiety Tremors?

There are many symptoms people experience when they are anxious. Sometimes people may experience physiological reactions, which is your body’s reaction to stress. One of the most common physiological reactions to stress is anxiety tremors.

Why do People Experience Anxiety Tremors?

An anxiety tremor is when the body begins to shake in reaction to a stressful situation. A person is likely to experience anxiety tremors when confronted with an interpersonal issue or unexpected problem. These types of situations trigger the flight-or-fight response, which causes the muscles to involuntarily tense in reaction to the stress.

Risk Factors of Anxiety Tremors

Not all people with anxiety experience anxiety tremors, but those who do often have common risk factors, like:

  • History of trauma or abuse
  • History of substance abuse
  • History of anxiety disorders or depression
  • Insomnia or related sleep issues
  • Anger management issues
  • High consumption of caffeine

How to Relieve Anxiety Tremors

Anxiety tremors take a toll on the body. Being upset to the point of tremors consumes a great deal of mental, emotional, and physical energy. Not only does the body get exhausted from the strain and tension, but the mind also fatigues from working on overdrive trying to process what is happening in the body and surrounding environment. Fortunately, there are ways to relieve anxiety tremors.

Try using these strategies to reduce the intensity of the anxiety tremors:

  • Use deep breathing exercise when confronted with a stressful situation. The oxygen brought to the muscles through the deep breathing exercises helps them relax and release tension. The oxygen brought to the brain will provide a calming sensation and reduce the stress reaction.
    • A simple exercise is to breath in through the nose for 10 seconds, hold for three seconds, and breathe out for 10 seconds through the mouth. Repeat this exercise until you feel a release in the muscles.
  • Count to ten before reacting to a situation. Sometimes when we are anxious we feel an urgent need to react. Remember you have time to process the information given to you. Before reacting with negative thoughts or emotions, count to 10. This will give you time to relieve some of the stress in your mind and prevent your body from going into that flight-or-fight response that will cause your muscles to tense.
  • Maintain self-care. Self-care is very important for reducing anxiety tremors. If you do not take care of your body and mind by relaxing you will become exhausted, which puts you at higher risk for anxiety tremors. Some effective self-care strategies include:
    • Engage in fun, relaxing activities
    • Maintain relationships with positive influences
    • Maintain a healthy diet
    • Be sure to exercise regularly
    • Take time for yourself when you need it

Anxiety tremors are stressful and sometimes painful to experience, but it is possible to prevent and reduce the intensity of anxiety tremors. If you feel you suffer from anxiety tremors be sure to incorporate the tips above into your daily routine. If issues continue consult with a physician or mental health professional about treatment.